What is the difference between lined and unlined curtains?

Unlined curtains are lighter and lower cost, suited to decorative use where light control is not critical. Lined curtains have a cotton backing that reduces light, adds body so the curtain hangs better, and extends the fabric's life. Thermal lining adds insulation. Blackout lining blocks almost all light and is ideal for bedrooms.

What is the difference between a curtain track and a rod?

A curtain track is a flat rail where hooks or gliders slide along. It is discreet, handles heavier fabrics, can be bent for bay windows, and can be motorised. A curtain rod is a decorative pole that is visible and part of the look, better suited to lighter fabrics and headings such as eyelets and tab tops.

When do you need a double curtain track or rod?

A double track holds two independent layers - typically a sheer closest to the glass and a heavier or blackout curtain in front. This lets you have diffused light during the day and full darkness at night. It is most useful in bedrooms and lounges.

When do you need a bendable curtain track?

A bendable track is needed when the window is not straight. The most common reason is a bay window, which typically has two 45-degree angles. Without a bent track you would need three separate tracks with gaps at every corner. Bendable tracks are also used for L-shaped windows, curved bow windows and alcoves.

Which curtain fabric is best for Cape Town's UV?

Polyester and polyester-blend fabrics are the most fade-resistant choice for Cape Town's high UV environment. Cotton and linen fade noticeably faster in direct sun. Whatever fabric you choose, adding a lining shields the outer fabric and significantly extends its life.

How does the Cape Doctor wind affect curtains?

The Cape Doctor is a strong south-easterly wind that blows September to March. It carries dust that settles on curtains and can cause lightweight fabrics to billow out of open windows. Cape Flats homes are most exposed as there is no mountain windbreak. Heavier lined curtains manage dust better.

Curtain Buying Guide

Everything you need to know before buying curtains in Cape Town - fabric types, how to measure, lining options, heading styles, and local climate advice by area.

Why do curtains need more fabric than the window width?

Curtains are gathered when hung, so you need more fabric than the window is wide. This extra fabric creates the pleats, waves or folds you see when curtains are closed. The fabric multiplier is how many times the window width you need - a 2× multiplier for a 1 m window means 2 m of fabric per panel.

Minimum fabric multiplier by heading type

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These are minimums. More fullness gives a richer look but uses more fabric.

How long should curtains be?

Measure from the track or rod down - not from the window frame. Most tracks are fitted 10–15 cm above the window frame to make the window look taller.

Sill length

Ends at the window sill. Good for kitchens and bathrooms.

Below sill

+ 15–20 cm

Hangs 15–20 cm below the sill. Neat finish for smaller windows.

Floor length

− 1–2 cm from floor

Finishes 1–2 cm above the floor. The most popular choice.

Puddle / pool

+ 10–20 cm on floor

Trails 10–20 cm on the floor. A formal, dramatic look.

Where to measure from

Which lining do you need?

Lining is a backing layer sewn inside the curtain. It controls light, adds insulation, protects the fabric from UV, and helps the curtain hang better.

How much light each lining blocks

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Unlined

Lightweight and lower cost. Fine for sheers or decorative curtains where light control is not important.

Lined

Cotton backing. Reduces light, improves drape, shields the outer fabric from UV and extends its life.

Thermal lined

Adds insulation. Keeps rooms cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Worth it for north-facing or sun-exposed rooms.

Blackout

Blocks almost all light. Ideal for bedrooms and babies' rooms. Heavier - needs a sturdy track or rod.

Which fabric type should you choose?

The fabric determines the look, care requirements, and most importantly in Cape Town - how long it holds its colour in the sun.

Fabric	Fade resistance	Care	Best for
Polyester	●●●	Machine wash	Best choice for direct sun. Holds colour for years.
Cotton	●●●	Gentle wash	Natural feel. Add lining to protect from sun.
Linen	●●●	Dry clean	Beautiful texture but fades fast in direct sun. A lining shields the face fabric and makes linen viable even in sun-facing rooms.
Velvet	●●●	Dry clean	Luxurious and insulating. Heavy - needs a sturdy track. Keep out of direct sun as the pile loses sheen with UV exposure.
Sheer / voile	●●●	Machine wash	Always pair with a lined curtain behind it.

Cape Town sun note: UV peaks at index 14 (Extreme) in summer - enough to fade unlined natural fabrics within 2–3 years. Adding any lining shields the outer fabric and can double its lifespan.

Not sure which fabric or lining is right for your room? We are happy to advise - no obligation.

Get free advice

What are the different curtain header types?

The header is the top of the curtain - it determines how it gathers and what it hangs from.

Header	Look	Fullness needed	Track	Rod
Pencil pleat	Classic gathered folds	2–2.5×	✓	✓
Eyelet	Uniform rings through fabric	1.5–2×	–	✓
Wave / S-fold Needs dedicated wave track	Smooth continuous waves	2–2.5×	✓	–
Tab top	Fabric loops over the rod	1.5×	–	✓
Rod pocket	Rod threaded through a sleeve	2×	–	✓

Tracks vs rods - what is the difference?

Both hold curtains up but work differently. The choice affects heading compatibility, weight capacity, and the overall look.

	Track	Rod / pole
Appearance	Discreet - can be hidden behind a pelmet	Decorative - the pole is part of the look
Weight capacity	Higher - weight spread along the full rail	Lower - limited by bracket spacing
Bay windows	Can be bent to follow the bay	Requires jointed bay pole kit
Motorisation	Available on most track systems	Not typically available
Compatible headings	Pencil pleat, wave / S-fold	Eyelet, tab top, rod pocket, pencil pleat

Single track or rod

✓ Simpler and lower cost
✓ Less hardware on the wall
– One fabric type only

Best for: dining rooms, studies, rooms needing one fabric type.

Double track or rod

✓ Sheer during the day, blackout at night
✓ Each layer opens independently
– Higher cost and more hardware

Best for: bedrooms and lounges where flexible light control matters.

Curtains in Cape Town's climate

Cape Town has extreme UV and two dominant seasonal winds. Both directly affect how long your curtains last and how practical they are day to day.

UV - how intense is the sun?

Cape Town's UV peaks at 14 (Extreme) in January and December. This level of UV fades most unlined natural fabrics within 2–3 years of direct sun exposure.

Cape Town monthly UV index (peak)

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Moderate (3–5) High (6–7) Very High (8–10) Extreme (11+)

Wind - the two seasons

Cape Town has two dominant winds. Knowing which direction your windows face tells you which one affects you most.

Cape Doctor

September – March

·Hot, dry and dust-laden
·Lightweight curtains billow through open windows
·Strongest through the Cape Flats (no mountain windbreak)
·Heavy lined curtains handle dust and billowing better

North-wester

April – August

·Cold, wet and gusty - arrives with rain fronts
·NW-facing windows most exposed to wind-driven rain
·Drafts noticeable through window gaps in winter
·Thermal lining helps reduce cold air coming through

Wind direction diagram

Arrows show the direction each wind blows toward